Indiscriminate use of air horns by private and State-owned transport corporation buses has raised concern among residents of the city.
Though there are regulations in place to restrict use of high-decibel air horns, residents allege that there are no concerned efforts to check the noise pollution.
Incessant honking of air horns on roads, which deafens the ears, is not limited to private buses alone. Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation buses, lorries and school buses also use high decibel horns.
This violation of traffic rule is clearly noticeable by road users across the city.
It is common to see pedestrians and two-wheeler riders getting agitated and showing signs of displeasure at drivers of buses and other vehicles whenever they use ear-piercing air horns.
It is observed that noise pollution caused by indiscriminate use of air horns is on the higher side during the peak hours — from 8.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., when the office-goers and students use cars and motorcycles to reach their respective work places or educational institutions.
The violation is acute at Central Bus Stand and Chathiram Bus Stand, the hubs of city and mofussil buses.
There were incidents of accidents owing to blowing of air horns leading to panic reactions from other motorists.
Residents allege that buses, mainly the private ones, have been extensively using air horns so as to compete others in collecting more passengers waiting at various bus stops.
No action
Road transport, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and police officials, who are empowered to take action against those causing noise pollution, have not taken any action to curb the menace.
Stating that high level of noise pollution might cause hearing disorders, A. Aleem, former vice-principal, K.A.P. Viswanatham Medical College Hospital, Tiruchi, said that there had been a sharp increase in patients visiting hospitals with hearing disabilities.
A section of them was affected with continuous exposure to the high decibel of sound caused by buses and trucks.
“If the people are exposed to high level of noise, they will have to experience many health effects. It may cause hearing loss, severe headache, stress, fatigue and others,” Dr. Aleem said.
He warned that continuous exposure to noise pollution would precipitate the patients affected migraine. Moreover, the sudden honking would lead to accidents owing to the chances of loosing balance by the two wheeler riders.
V. Sathiyanarayanna, Regional Transport Officer, Tiruchi West, said that officials had been continuously taking action against those using high decibel air horns.
A drive against the menace was conducted a few months ago.
Such drives would be conducted shortly against violators, he said.
